Positive and negative mental health outcomes and internal resources among the general population in Greece: A nation-wide survey amid COVID-19 lockdown

Scarce and inconclusive evidence exists on the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown. This study examined the impact (positive and negative) of the lockdown, levels of resilience and use of coping strategies, and identified high-risk groups during the lockdown in Greece (05/04/2020 - 30/04/2020). A sample of 1661 participants (mean age of 39.5±12.2 years; 75.5% females) completed a google-forms questionnaire, which was distributed through social networking sites, webpages, and personal contacts. It was found that different population subgroups suffer disproportionately the impact of the lockdown. Healthcare workers, females, younger, less educated, and those living alone reported higher rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Females achieved more posttraumatic growth and were using more coping strategies than men. Men, older, healthcare workers, and those with a partner were more resilient. Interventions need to be developed to target personal resources, protect vulnerable populations, facilitate posttraumatic growth, and ameliorate wellbeing and quality of life.